{"id":1916,"date":"2024-07-05T22:21:36","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T22:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=1916"},"modified":"2024-07-05T22:21:36","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T22:21:36","slug":"how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=1916","title":{"rendered":"How to Find the Proper Handgun Grip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>The term or phrase \u201cget a grip!\u201d has at least two meanings. One meaning is to keep or recover one\u2019s self-control by making an effort to control one\u2019s emotions and behave more calmly: \u201cI just think he ought to get a grip on himself.\u201d The other \u201cget a grip\u201d can refer to gaining an understanding of something, or how to deal with something that is obviously not right, and you must get a grip on the problem. For example, getting a grip on your finances.<\/p>\n<p>For those in the shooting sports \u2014 especially those new to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handgun<\/a> shooting \u2014 getting a good grip has yet another interpretive meaning. In the handgun shooting disciplines, a good grip can refer to the portion of the firearm one holds on to or (more importantly) the way one secures a firearm in their hand. The most important aspect of a good grip (as in grasping the firearm) is ensuring that the firearm and hand size are compatible.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"373\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-1.jpg?resize=373%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Custom wood grips plates on a 1911 pistol\" class=\"wp-image-96184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-1.jpg?w=373&amp;ssl=1 373w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-1.jpg?resize=194%2C300&amp;ssl=1 194w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-1.jpg?resize=150%2C232&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A nice, but unusual, set of grips adorn this custom 1911 pistol.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hand Size<\/h2>\n<p>The firearm\/hand size discrepancy is most often seen with ladies who are new to shooting than it is with men. Men are more often seen with a proportionally-larger hand size. However, once the basics of a proper grip are understood, the best way to ensure size compatibility is for the prospective shooter to try as many handguns as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever you do, don\u2019t buy simply because the salesman recommends a particular model, it is the least expensive, or simply available right then. For the ladies, this can be termed \u2018<em>shopping<\/em>\u2019 and should be something they will enjoy as it aligns with their genetic predisposition for shopping nicely. So, for the ladies, think of it as trying on dresses or even better\u2026 Shoes!<\/p>\n<p>As important as the fit is to a lady\u2019s feet, so it is with the fit of a firearm to her hand. A good, firm grip is necessary to control your firearm, for a steady aim, and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/how-to-control-recoil-when-shooting-handgun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recoil absorption<\/a>. In other words, the hand needs to fit the handgun like Cinderella\u2019s foot fit the glass slipper. See how much fun this is already?<\/p>\n<p>Continuing with the \u201c<em>trying on shoes analogy<\/em>,\u201d try this procedure. First, ensure the firearm is unloaded and in a safe condition. Then, secure the handgun by picking it up from the muzzle end with your support hand while making a \u201cY\u201d with the thumb and fingers of your strong hand. Next, place the back strap of the firearm into the \u201cY,\u201d so it is centered in the web of your hand and forms a straight line down through the forearm of your strong hand.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, try to place the hand as high on firearm as possible. The self-check (to see if you did it correctly) is to point your arm straight down. If you can trace a straight line through the front sight up your forearm (as in the illustration), your grip is correct. Remember, your hands are the primary interface between you and your handgun. The grip you establish is the primary arbiter of how fast and accurately you will be able to shoot, so a correct grip is a must.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-2.jpg?resize=288%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Top down view of a proper grip angle when shooting a semi-automatic handgun\" class=\"wp-image-96185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-2.jpg?w=288&amp;ssl=1 288w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-2.jpg?resize=150%2C300&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The straight line that the correct grip on a 1911 pistol looks like.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Once the correct hand position is established, it\u2019s necessary to determine whether the fit is correct by ensuring you can comfortably reach and operate all the controls (trigger, safety, slide, and magazine release). On a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/semi-automatic\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">semi-automatic pistol<\/a>, the index finger should touch the trigger with the center of the finger\u2019s distal pad touching the center of the trigger.<\/p>\n<p>With your grip centered and your finger placed correctly on the trigger, look at your hand and gun from the top. You should see a slight C-shaped curve in your finger, with some space between your finger and the frame of the gun, to operate the trigger correctly. Finally, and most importantly, can you safely and comfortably retract the slide to load, unload, and clear malfunctions? If all those operations can be performed without needing to readjust your grip, the gun fits Cinderella style.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-3.jpg?resize=427%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"top down view of a proper grip showing a 'bent c' shape made by the trigger finger\" class=\"wp-image-96186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-3.jpg?w=427&amp;ssl=1 427w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-3.jpg?resize=222%2C300&amp;ssl=1 222w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-3.jpg?resize=150%2C202&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Notice the slight \u201cC\u201d shaped curve in the trigger finger indicating a good fit and a correct grip on a 1911-style pistol.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/revolvers\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">revolver<\/a>, the most important aspect of the correct grip (once established) is to be able to fire the gun double action without rotating it in your hand to gain more leverage. Operating the cylinder release is also important, but some movement and grip change is permitted, because the correct grip can then be reestablished correctly after the reloading process has been completed.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defensive Shooting<\/h2>\n<p>It must be understood\u2026 when the goal is defensive shooting and the target must be hit multiple times in rapid succession, having the correct grip becomes critical. The defensive handgunner must achieve the proper fit so the elements of a proper grip can all be mastered \u2014 especially hand placement and gun alignment.<\/p>\n<p>When a pistol is too big, there is a tendency for the shooter to rotate his or her hand inward to reach the trigger with the index finger. This rotation also occurs when a shooter doesn\u2019t have sufficient hand strength to press the trigger rearward.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"319\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-4.jpg?resize=551%2C319&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"side view showing how to measure gun fit and trigger finger length for a semi-auto handgun\" class=\"wp-image-96187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-4.jpg?w=551&amp;ssl=1 551w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-4.jpg?resize=300%2C174&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-4.jpg?resize=150%2C87&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A good pistol fit (from the side) showing enough index finger length to comfortably manipulate the trigger on this 1911.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>This rotating of the hand enables the shooter to position the trigger deeper on the finger for more leverage. It also tends to feel more comfortable. I tell my students, \u201cIf the grip feels comfortable, it is being executed incorrectly. If it feels uncomfortable, they may have it correct.<\/p>\n<p>The other issue with rotating the hand for more leverage is that the recoil of the firearm is now absorbed on the joint of the thumb which does not have the strength of the web of the hand. This can result in a number of problems occurring, including flinching and malfunctions.<\/p>\n<p>For an easy test to see whether your grip is correct, return to the \u201c<em>trying on shoes analogy.<\/em>\u201d Start by clearing and checking the firearm to prepare for dry fire practice. Stand in front of a mirror. Grip the handgun and raise it up, sighting down your arm, through the sights, at the reflection of your eye in the mirror. If your grip is correct, you will be precisely on your eye\u2019s reflection.<\/p>\n<p>If the firearm is not straight in your hand, (pointing to the right or left) your grip is off. If your hand is too small for the handgun, it will be pointing to the right (right-handed shooter). If you are not looking straight at your reflection and are instead off to the right or left, it is your stance that needs to be corrected. That should help you determine whether the handgun fits.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, having a handgun that is too small is something that can be corrected. However, a handgun that is too large will always be a problem. Also, be aware, there are some instances where an individual\u2019s bone structure, injury history, or medical conditions may create conditions that are much more difficult to work around. However, a good instructor should be able to help with those kinds of handicaps.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-5.jpg?resize=640%2C359&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"side view showing how to measure gun fit and trigger finger length for a double-action revolver\" class=\"wp-image-96188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-5.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-5.jpg?resize=300%2C168&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Get-A-Grip-5.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A good revolver fit showing enough index finger length to comfortably manipulate the double-action trigger on this Smith &amp; Wesson Model 686.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>This column was not meant to be a complete explanation of the proper grip but was instead intended to provide the information necessary to determine whether a handgun is too large for an individual\u2019s hand size. In conclusion, my final \u201c<em>trying on shoes analogy<\/em>\u201d reference, \u201cIf a woman can\u2019t have too many pairs of shoes, a man can\u2019t have too many handguns.\u201d I rest my case! Stay safe, train often, and practice, practice, practice!<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you have a tip for a proper handgun grip? Share it in the Comment section.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-find-the-proper-handgun-grip\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term or phrase \u201cget a grip!\u201d has at least two meanings. One meaning is to keep or recover one\u2019s self-control by making an effort to control one\u2019s emotions and behave more calmly: \u201cI just think he ought to get a grip on himself.\u201d The other \u201cget a grip\u201d can refer to gaining an understanding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1917,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}